The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
2012 , Vol 54 , Num 6
Fever of Unknown Origin in Children: The Experience of One Center in Turkey
Departments of Pediatrics, 1Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, and 2Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine,
Ankara, Turkey. E-mail: hasantezer@yahoo.com
Knowledge about the etiology of fever of unknown origin (FUO) has been
changed under the influence of new advances in diagnostic techniques in both
adulthood and childhood. Seventy-seven patients with the diagnosis of FUO
were evaluated retrospectively. Forty-six (60%) of the patients were male
and 31 (40%) were female, with ages ranging from 4 months to 16 years
(mean: 4.5 years). Physical findings were absolutely normal in 33 (42.9%)
patients, and the most common findings were hepatosplenomegaly (15.5%)
and lymphadenopathy (15.5%). The etiologies were determined in 69 patients
with FUO. The most common diagnoses were infectious diseases (50.7%),
malignancy (14.4%), collagen vascular disorders (7.2%), and miscellaneous
conditions (27.5%). With the development of diagnostic tools, the etiologies
in a considerable number of patients with FUO were diagnosed. A detailed
history and physical examination are required for accurate diagnosis, and if
indicated, invasive procedures should be instituted.
Keywords :
fever of unknown origin, children.